Tomoko Sauvage is sipping matcha latte in a Shibuya cafe, trying to articulate the search for sound that first drew her abroad and, ultimately, led her to create a new musical instrument.

For the Paris-based musician who grew up in Yokohama, the call to music came early. She began classical piano lessons from age 4, which she enjoyed, though any thought of a professional career was discouraged by her parents ("It's not the normal path,") or teachers who cited insufficient talent.

"Maybe that's why I had to go (abroad), to be free from this," Sauvage says.